Sockeye fire: How can you help?

MAT-SU — Firefighting resources are stretched thin due to the Sockeye fire and the public’s assistance is requested to helping firefighters protect homes and lives.

Foremost, community members are asked not to put themselves in situations that might require the intervention of emergency service personnel.

Additionally, people are asked to cooperate with emergency personnel regarding evacuations and traffic. When asked, get out and stay out until the area is cleared for residents’ return.

Privately owned aircrafts are also asked to honor the temporary flight restrictions in place since Sunday. Several aircrafts are flying in the area battling the fire, and private aircrafts can unnecessarily interfere with tanker and helicopter suppression efforts, and possibly also medical transport aircrafts.

Remember also that the Mat-Su Borough is included in the expanded suspension of fireworks issued by the Alaska State Fire Marshal’s Office in accordance with Alaska Administrative Code 50.025 Fire Code. Kenai, Fairbanks and Anchorage borough also are included in the fireworks suspension. A burn closure on state, private, Bureau of Land Management and municipal lands is also in place until further notice. People are advised to report fires and people using fireworks by calling 911.